Pubdate: Wed, 24 Mar 2004 Source: Bangkok Post (Thailand) Copyright: The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. 2004 Contact: http://www.bangkokpost.co.th/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/39 Author: Preeyanat Phanayanggoor US 'REGRETS WRONGLY ASSESSED' FINDINGS The United States has expressed its regret to the government for portraying Thailand in a negative light in its latest human rights report, government spokesman Jakrapob Penkair said yesterday. But a US embassy spokesman said he could not confirm this. Mr Jakrapob said Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai yesterday told cabinet a message from US President George W Bush and Secretary of State Colin Powell expressed regret for the US report, which had riled Thai authorities particularly with its criticism of extra-judicial killings during the government's three-month war on drugs. He said the US admitted to having used old information in assessing the situation of human rights in Thailand, and wanted to correct its misunderstanding over the issue. "After receiving new information from the Thai government, the US accepted the majority of extra-judicial killings were actually in police self-defence," he said. Asked to comment on this matter, US embassy spokesman Mark Larsen said he could not confirm that such a message had been sent by his government to the Thai government. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager